Frontiers in Oncologic Prostate Care and Ablative Local Therapy Archives

Novel Molecular Tracers for Prostate Imaging

Posted by Baris Turkbey, MD | Aug 2024

Ismail Baris Turkbey, MD, Senior Clinician, Molecular Imaging Branch (MIB), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes for Health (NIH) discusses novel molecular tracers for prostate imaging. Dr. Turkbey begins by listing and describing various molecular tracers used with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the prostate, including tracers used historically, explaining what each targets (e.g. glucose, cell membrane synthesis). Dr. Turkbey summarizes past trials of various tracers that fell short of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in identifying localized disease.

He calls the last few years “exciting” in terms of developments in molecular imaging and several PET tracers targeting PSMA. Dr. Turkbey outlines 68Ga-PSMA-11, 18F-DCFPYL, and 18F-rhPSMA-7.3 and illustrates their use with patient case examples whereby these PSMA tracers helped identify local disease and guide focal therapies. He lists the various tracers available and explains that each has advantages and disadvantages and it depends on the biology to be profiled. Dr. Turkbey reiterates that the strongest evidence for identifying and staging localized disease is PSMA PET CT scans which are now available.

Panel Discussion Part Two: PROSTATE IMAGING

Posted by Baris Turkbey, MD | Aug 2024

Baris Turkbey, MD, and Sadhna Verma, MD, FSAR

Case Discussion 1 – Patient and Treatment Selection

Posted by Abhinav Sidana, MD, MPH | Aug 2024

Abhinav Sidana, MD, MPH, Peter K.F. Chiu, MD, PhD, FRCSEd, Behfar Edhaie, MD, Arvin K. George, MD, Preston C. Sprenkle, MD, and Samir S. Taneja, MD

The Application of Stimulated Raman Histology to Urologic Malignancies – Human and Artificial Intelligent Assessment

Posted by James S. Wysock, MD, MSc | Aug 2024

James S. Wysock, MD, MSc, explores Stimulated Raman Histology (SRH) in diagnosing and managing urologic malignancies, emphasizing the role of both human and artificial intelligence (AI) assessments. SRH, a cutting-edge imaging technique, provides rapid, label-free histological images of tissues, enabling real-time intraoperative diagnosis. Dr. Wysock highlights SRH’s high specificity and sensitivity in identifying cancerous tissues, potentially reducing reliance on frozen sections and improving surgical outcomes.

Dr. Wysock discusses integrating AI into SRH image analysis, including creating training datasets, validation studies, and clinical trials. The potential for AI to enhance diagnostic precision and minimize human error is a key focus. Data show that SRH, combined with AI assessment, significantly improves the accuracy of margin detection during prostate and kidney cancer surgeries.

The Baked Potato (Prostate): Focal Microwave Ablation

Posted by Peter K.F. Chiu, MD, PhD, FRCSEd | Aug 2024

Peter K.F. Chiu, MD, PhD, FRCSEd, discusses the application and efficacy of focal microwave ablation (FMA) in the treatment of prostate cancer. Dr. Chiu emphasizes the minimally invasive procedure while emphasizing the precision of this method, which allows for effective ablation of cancerous lesions while minimizing damage to adjacent structures such as the urethra, neurovascular bundles, and rectum.

He describes the patients best suited for FMA and presents the procedure’s promising clinical outcomes. Dr. Chiu also addresses the technological advancements that have played a crucial role in enhancing FMA’s safety and effectiveness.